AAMRI Staff
Dr Peter Thomas
Peter is the Executive Director, and joined AAMRI in July 2016. He has extensive experience in science policy, strategy, and government relations.
As Executive Director, Peter oversees policy documents and submissions, member services, government and external stakeholder relations, and AAMRI’s day-to-day operations.
Dr Andrew Hastings
Andy has been the Manager of VicAAMRI since October 2017, representing Victoria’s independent medical research institutes. He is a trained scientist and has experience in science and technology policy, research strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Andy is responsible for coordinating the activities of VicAAMRI, including government and stakeholder relations, policy and submissions, strategic projects and facilitating collaboration.
Frances Bell
Frances joined AAMRI WA in January 2021, following an 18-year career in journalism with ABC News. She has extensive experience in communications, policy and government engagement, having reported on state and federal politics in Perth, Melbourne and Canberra.
Frances is responsible for coordinating the activities of AAMRI WA, including government and stakeholder relations, policy submissions, strategic projects and facilitating collaboration.
Dr Cath Latham
Cath is AAMRI’s Policy and Projects Manager and joined AAMRI in May 2017 from a 15 year career in medical research both in Australia and overseas.
Cath develops policy documents and submissions, manages government and stakeholder relations and member services including AAMRI’s staff networks. She also leads projects of strategic interest to AAMRI.
Dr Janet Yeo
Janet joined AAMRI in April 2021 as the Policy and Projects Manager, in place of Cath who is currently on secondment. Her responsibilities include government and stakeholder relations, policy and submissions, strategic projects and member services.
Janet is a trained medical researcher and has experience in research management, project management and research commercialisation.
Aimee Sanderson
Aimee joined AAMRI in April 2018 as the Marketing and Communications Manager. Having previously worked with a variety of medical research institutes and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and the UK, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the role.
On a day-to-day basis she looks after AAMRI’s media, external communications, advocacy campaigns and assists in external stakeholders relations.
Saheem Wani
Saheem joined AAMRI in October 2020 as the Marketing and Communications Manager, looking after all of AAMRI’s communications while Aimee is on parental leave.
A skilled communications professional with years of experience in marketing and fundraising, her work involves building a strong AAMRI brand and promoting the Australian medical research sector.
Kathryn Naumenko
Kathryn joined AAMRI in September 2015. As AAMRI’s Events and Administration Coordinator, Kathryn organises all AAMRI events, including the AAMRI Annual Convention & Dinner and provides administration and project support.
Work days: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.
